Electronic identity card
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The electronic identity card (CIE) is the Italian identity document valid for travel abroad to the countries that recognise it. Since 3 August 2026 the paper card is no longer valid for travel. The Firm assists citizens resident abroad in applying at the consulate or at an Italian town hall.
Pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2019/1157, the paper identity card has no longer been valid for travel abroad since 3 August 2026. Decree-Law 108/2026 permits its transitional use within Italy for limited purposes until 31 January 2027. For travel, a CIE or a passport is required.
Where to apply
- Consulate: for persons registered with AIRE in the consular district, with up-to-date civil status and, for those born abroad, a birth record transcribed in Italy. The application is made by appointment, where applicable through the Prenot@mi system. The CIE is not handed over on the day of the appointment but is subsequently sent by post.
- Italian town hall: since 1 June 2026 citizens resident abroad may apply for it at any town hall (art. 5 Law 11/2026).
- Urgent procedure in Italy: where necessary, the Firm can arrange for issue at the town hall of AIRE registration, subject to the authorisation of that town hall, with the applicant present in Italy.
Validity
| Holder | Validity |
|---|---|
| Adults | 10 years |
| Minors aged 3 to 18 | 5 years |
| Minors up to 3 years of age | 3 years |
Required documentation
- Valid identity document.
- AIRE registration with up-to-date address and civil status.
- For applications in Spain: a valid certificado de empadronamiento and the registration certificate as a citizen of the Union (green NIE).
- Registration on the Prenot@mi system, where required by the consulate.
Timescales
At consulates the wait is usually several months; the Firm assesses with the client the quickest option as between the consulate and the town hall.
Costs
The consular fees currently amount to €21.95 for first issue or renewal and €27.11 for a duplicate (theft, loss, damage). The Firm issues a detailed, no-obligation quote, which may also combine the CIE with the Italian tax identification number (codice fiscale) or the CIE with a passport.
Consular services
Sources: Regulation (EU) 2019/1157, art. 5 · Decree-Law 108/2026, art. 11, converted into Law 142/2026 · Law 11/2026, art. 5 · Information pages of the Italian consulates and table of consular fees. Information only, updated September 2026.